Designed for the pastor and Bible teacher, the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament features today's top Old Testament scholars and brings together commentary features rarely gathered together in one volume. With careful discourse analysis and interpretation of the Hebrew text, the authors trace the flow of argument in each Old Testament book, showing that how a biblical author says something is just as important as what they say. Commentary on each passage follows a clear structure to help readers grasp the flow and meaning of the text: The Main Idea of the Passage: A one- or two-sentence summary of the key ideas the biblical author seeks to communicate. Literary Context: A brief discussion of the relationship of the specific text to the book as a whole and to its place within the broader argument. Translation and Exegetical Outline: Commentators provide their own translations of each text, formatted to highlight its discourse structure and accompanied by a coherent outline that reflects the flow and argument of the text. Structure and Literary Form: An overview of the literary structure and rhetorical style adopted by the biblical author, highlighting how these features contribute to the communication of the main idea of the passage. Explanation of the Text: A detailed commentary on the passage, paying particular attention to how the biblical authors select and arrange their materials and how they work with words, phrases, and syntax to communicate their messages. Canonical and Practical Significance: The commentary on each unit will conclude by building bridges between the world of the biblical author and other biblical authors and with reflections on the contribution made by this unit to the development of broader issues in biblical theology--particularly on how later Old Testament and New Testament authors have adapted and reused the motifs in question. The discussion also includes brief reflections on the significance of the message of the passage for readers today. The Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament series is the go-to resource for pastors and Bible teachers looking for deep but accessible study that equips them to connect the needs of Christians today with the biblical text.

Synopsis: This book explores Deuteronomy's understanding of exile. While Deuteronomy speaks of a potential historical experience in the nation's future, "exile" is also a dynamic theological concept. In short, exile represents the death of Israel. In losing her land, Israel apparently also loses her identity, history, and covenant relationship with Yahweh. Restoration from exile, then, is a resurrection from death to life. Since exile is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy, the theology of the book must be considered in light of its vision of exile and restoration. The thesis of the following study consists of three major aspects: (1) the theological construct that exile constitutes the death of Israel; (2) the pervasiveness of the theme of exile in Deuteronomy; and (3) the significance of the theme of exile for understanding and developing the theology of the book. While the theological connection between exile and death is not new, this study attempts to ground this association in the vocabulary of the text. This, in turn, will open up a more nuanced reading of the entire book in which the persistent presence and influence of the theme of exile on Deuteronomy's overt message, underlying theology, and structure will be recognized. A major catalyst for this work is a network of debates among Evangelicals in New Testament theology, including covenant nomism and the New Perspective on Paul. For some, Jesus' preaching of the kingdom and the forgiveness of sins is tied up with the nation's expectations of the return from exile, which is fulfilled in his death and resurrection. Proponents of this position (e.g., N. T. Wright) often turn to Deuteronomy for support. In some ways, the present work implicitly enters this discussion by providing Old Testament theological background en route to evaluating implications being drawn. Endorsement: "Turner wrestles gallantly with a subject that is long overdue: exile and restoration in Deuteronomy and the soteriological implications of the book's development of these themes. He argues persuasively for a view of the Torah that highlights grace--grace in salvation and grace in Israel's ultimate fulfillment of the call of God. This is biblical theology at a high level, introducing readers not only to a particular book, but to a theme that is at the core of biblical revelation and at the heart of the Gospel." --Daniel I. Block Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Old Testament Wheaton College Author Biography: Kenneth Turner is Associate Professor of Bible at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee.